The tradition of honoring the past while stepping into the future continues as the USA men’s basketball national team prepares for the upcoming competition. Each player on the squad received a special bag tag that lists the names of the legends who previously wore their jersey numbers. This symbolic gesture not only serves to inspire the current players but also connects them to the rich history of Team USA basketball.
Jayson Tatum and the Legacy of No. 10
Jayson Tatum will be donning the No. 10 jersey, a number with a storied heritage. Icons such as Kevin Garnett, Reggie Miller, Anthony Edwards, and the late Kobe Bryant have all graced the court wearing No. 10 for Team USA. For Tatum, this is more than just a number—it’s a mantle to uphold and a legacy to carry forward each time he steps onto the court.
Bam Adebayo and No. 13
Bam Adebayo is set to wear No. 13 when Team USA heads to Paris. Adebayo, who also wears No. 13 for the Miami Heat, shares a personal connection with the number. "I love the number because my mother also wore it in high school," Adebayo revealed, adding a deeply personal layer to his selection.
The number itself is steeped in Olympic history. Tim Duncan and Kevin Love wore No. 13 during the 2004 and 2012 Olympics, respectively, while the formidable Shaquille O'Neal sported it during the 1992 and 1996 Games. Adebayo’s choice reflects his desire to align himself with these legends, both in his NBA career and on the international stage.
LeBron James and the Iconic No. 6
LeBron James is no stranger to Olympic competition, and in what will be his fourth Olympic appearance, he will take the court wearing No. 6. This number, too, is rich in history. Steve Kerr, now the Team USA coach, wore No. 6 during the 1986 FIBA World Cup. Moreover, the number has been synonymous with other basketball greats like Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and the legendary Bill Russell.
The Next Generation: Tyrese Haliburton and Stephen Curry
Young talent Tyrese Haliburton is set to represent the USA wearing No. 9. Known for its association with basketball royalty, No. 9 has been worn by Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, Dwayne Wade, and even LeBron James in previous competitions. Despite being the youngest and relatively new to the fold, Haliburton takes this as a badge of honor. "I was given this number ... I'm the young guy so I just get thrown a number, so not a bad number to get thrown,” he said, recognizing the significance of joining such an elite group. Haliburton also expressed admiration for the company he shares: "It's a pretty good crew."
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry, one of the most prolific shooters in NBA history, will wear No. 4. The number has had its fair share of distinguished wearers, including Jimmy Butler, Chauncey Billups, Carlos Boozer, and Allen Iverson. Curry’s understated reaction, "That's a pretty solid list," belies the weight of expectation and history that comes with it. Wearing No. 4 sets the stage for Curry to further etch his name into the annals of basketball lore.
Continuing a Proud Tradition
Team USA’s practice of linking current players with the storied past of American basketball serves as a powerful reminder of the legacy and responsibility each player carries. The ceremony of handing out bag tags with the names of past legends is more than a mere ritual; it’s a torch passing from one generation to the next.
As these players prepare to take on the world, they do so with the knowledge that they are not just representing the present but also paying homage to the greats who came before them. Each dunk, three-pointer, and defensive stop will be carried out with the silent encouragement of giants whose numbers they proudly wear. This blend of personal significance and historical weight promises to fuel their performances on the court, adding another chapter to the illustrious history of USA Basketball.